A leading trade organisation for the heating and cooking industries in the UK has provided support for vulnerable households in Dorset amid concerns of inflated fuel costs due to increased consumption during the lockdown.

Whilst the government has signalled it may step in to support vulnerable households and the initial crash in the price of oil has provided some relief to the 18,000 oil heated households in Dorset, there is concern among residents that many will still struggle, particularly those facing reduced incomes or additional costs of looking after relatives.

In response OFTEC, the trade association for the oil heating industry, is alerting households to the support available and providing advice on how to reduce energy consumption.

“During these unsettling times, many households may be feeling anxious about higher energy bills because they are spending more time at home during the day”, said Malcolm Farrow of OFTEC.

He added: “However, new announcements about the support available are being made every day by the government and energy suppliers so it’s important to identify those which apply to you, or to family and friends who you know are struggling.

“The warmer weather will help to reduce reliance on heating and other measures such as adjusting timers and radiators may seem trivial but, over several weeks and months, the savings can really add up. They are also usually simple jobs most people can do themselves.”

The trade association for the oil heating industry has listed five ways households can help to reduce their energy consumption, including speaking to their energy supplier about reassessment or pausing of debt repayments, only heating rooms that are being used and adjusting heating timers.

More information and advice, including what to do if your heating systems needs emergency repair work during the Covid-19 lockdown, go to https://www.oftec.org/technicians/covid-19-contingency-planning.